Taming the Beast (in other words, How to navigate internet resources)

The internet contains a wealth of information and very usable tools. The problem is finding those tools and that information in a timely manner, and keeping track of them so that you don't have to find the same things over and over again.

So, you say, that is what BOOKMARKS or FAVORITES are for. Yes, that's true. But what if you have more than one computer? The bookmarks and favorites are stored on your computer, not the email account (unless you have an internet-based account). That means if you save a bookmark on one computer, it will not be on the other, and so forth. I have a solution further down.

The other great help in finding good websites, is to find a good HOTLIST. Today I share some of my own favorite hotlists with you.

1. Backflip (http://www.backflip.com/login.ihtml)
Backflip is an internet-based bookmarking site. Membership is free and once you are registered, you can add your bookmarks or favorites from your computer, and add a toolbar button to "Backflip" any site you wish to add to your favorites list. Your bookmarks can be organized in categories, and it even has a "daily routine" section for websites you access everyday. It is easy to use, and it keeps your bookmarks/favorites organized and accessible even on someone else's computer. There are also public folders, where other people post useful links. I love this tool and use it every day.

I learned of this tool from Ken Wiseman.

2. Wiseman Tech (http://www.wisemantech.com)
One of the most useful educational technology sites I've come across. Mr. Wiseman has beginner level, and more advanced tutorials on digital photo, digital video, web collaboration, searching the internet effectively and efficiently, and even a wonderful resource on Guidance, put together by Mrs. Wiseman. Don't take my word for it. If you want to know how to do anything related to technology, try Wiseman Tech first.

3. District Administration Journal's Dr. Hotlist (http://www.districtadministration.com). Scroll down and you'll find the Dr. Hotlist icon on the left.

This hotlist of education websites is managed by Gil Dyrli, retired but very active professor of education from the University of Connecticut. Look for the Online Resources button. Explore the
Curriculum Hotspots, Professional Resources, Emerging Technologies, and Dr. Dyrli's technology column, The online Edge.

4. Filamentality (http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/fil/)
Do you want ready made differentiation material? Looking for tiered assignments on anything?The Filamentality website offers thousands (77142 at last count) of mini-webquests on any subject you can imagine, created by teachers for their students.

Search Filamentality for "Ancient Greece," and you find 2943 different files created by teachers. Some are hotlists of student safe websites, some are webquests. A great resource if you need information on a subject quickly. I have not searched on any subject without finding some good resources.

Be prepared to plow through the filamentalities to find one that suits your students' age and ability. Usually it is worth the effort.

5. Webquests (http://bestwebquests.com)
As far as I can figure, the first webquest was written by Tom March (1995) at the San Diego State University, co-teaching with Bernie Dodge. The "Best Webquests" website is administered by Tom March, and on his site, he gives the following webquest resources:

Portals:
Tom March.com The central location for all Tom's "Bright Ideas for Education"
BestWebQuests Celebrating the Best in WebQuests
WebQuests for Learning WebQuests and materials created by Tom March
The WebQuest Portal Interactive WebQuest Community from Bernie Dodge

Online WebQuest Makers, of which Filamentality is one; WebQuest Design Guides; and Articles about Webquests.

Happy hunting. Next time, I plan to talk about trunks and suitcases offered by museums, non-profits, and organizations for checkout by teachers.